About the Author


Judy Gruen

Judy Gruen is the author of Bylines and Blessings, The Skeptic and the Rabbi, and several other books. Based in Los Angeles, she is also a regular columnist for the Jewish Journal and a book editor.


Marriage Is Good For You

Research shows that stable marriages offer a proven path to happiness, intimacy and well-being.

The Magician Who Helped Defeat the Nazis

The battle against the Nazis relied on machinery, manpower, money, and even a bit of magic.

The Beauty Queens of Boro Park

Why a group of Holocaust survivors are asking, “Is this lipstick color good for me?”

10 Tips for Kinder Speech

How to improve the world and ourselves through channeling our power of speech for the good.

Why, God, Why?

A frank conversation about suffering with Gershon Schusterman, a rabbi who suddenly became a widower with 11 children at age 38.

The Nobel Prize-Winning Neuroscientist Mussolini Couldn’t Stop

Despite WWII-era fascist laws barring Jews from society, Rita Levi-Montalcini, a brilliant scientist, conducted pioneering experiments in her bedroom.

God, Grades & Graduation: Religion’s Surprising Impact on Academic Success

A new study conclusively shows multiple benefits of a faith-based life to working-class adolescents – particularly males.

Has Social Media Made Us Stupid?

An indictment of the “Wild West” atmosphere of social media and the price we all pay for it.

Bambi Was Jewish

A century after it was originally published, the authentic story of Bambi as a parable of antisemitism is coming to light.

Jewish Women Share Stories of Crisis, Healing, and Strength

New book from The Layers Project breaks taboos and stigmas.

Tik Tok Executive Discovers Joy and Purpose through Jewish Wisdom

Michal Oshman's new book asks, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

New Documentary Explores the Question “Why Be Jewish?”

The first intermarriage in Becky Bordo's family launches her journey to explore her Jewish identity.

Shtisel Returns

The most famous Orthodox family on TV deals with intense new dramas, welcomes new family members, and grieves over losses.

Joan Rivers' Manager's Surprising Second Act

Dorothy Melvin's life was upended by a shocking phone call.

The Dark Spell of Social Media: A Review of The Social Dilemma

Former Big Tech insiders reveal what made them turn against the powerful platforms they helped create and promote.

It’s Just a Cold--Really

No, I didn’t say COVID, I said a COLD.

The LA Jewish Community Is Thanking Local Police and Increasing Community Safety

Public-private security coordination is the name of the game in today’s new reality. Bringing good food helps, too.

Mrs. Hollander’s Opus: An MS Sufferer’s Legacy of Optimism and Faith

Despite her degenerative and debilitating illness, Kaila Hollander’ remarkable joy inspired an entire community.

Rethinking “Achievement” in the Pandemic Era

Quarantine has reminded us that our lives are measured not so much by what we sell or build, but by what we give of ourselves to family, friends, and community.

The Life and Times of Glikl bas Leyb: a 17th-Century Woman for the Ages

Nearly 300 years after her death, Glikl has become an unlikely literary celebrity.

My White Privilege Has Nothing to Do with It

Identity politics and the victimization mindset has poisoned too many interactions between citizens.

(Anti-)Orthodox

The media always seems to miss the big story about Orthodox Jews.

Seven Ways to Strengthen Your Friendships

Good friends are essential for your emotional health.

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

The new film about Fred Rogers and a cynical journalist is a movie we need right now.

Lampooning Hitler: Jojo Rabbit Anti-Hate Satire

Award-winning director Taika Waititi skewers the banality of evil in his latest film.

Even in Auschwitz: Choosing the Possible

Dr. Edith Eva Eger, a Holocaust survivor and trauma expert, channels her experience to help others learn to move past suffering.

Blinded by the Light: What Bruce Springsteen’s Music Meant to Me

A new movie highlights how the rock legend inspired a teenager to pursue his dreams, reminding me of everything I love about Springsteen’s music.

The Day I Got Scammed

Yep, I fell for a tech support scam. And so could you.

The “Billy Graham” Rule and the Mississippi Governor’s Race

Is it sexist or sane policy to insist a third-party come along when a female reporter wants to interview a male candidate on the campaign trail?

Making the Holocaust Real

Archiving the Jewish American past, Gregg Philipson collects to remember and to fight bigotry and anti-Semitism.

Toy Story 4: Love, Loyalty and the Meaning of Life

The hit film delves into some meaty philosophical issues.

Kyle Kashuv and the Limits of Forgiveness

Harvard rescinds the acceptance of young man who survived the Parkland shootings for racist statements he made as a teen and has since regretted.

Moe Berg: The Spy Behind Home Plate

Moe Berg became a major league ball player and a major league spy.

The Shtisel Phenomenon

Fans can’t get enough of this Hareidi family.

Beautiful Boy: The Long Road Back from Teenage Drug Addiction

A new book by former addict and his father offers safer pathways to deal with life’s pain.

The Bezos' $137 Billion Divorce

Thoughts on the break-up of one of the world’s wealthiest couples.

Four Vital Lessons from Tara Westover’s Educated

Insights from the popular memoir on the challenges in discovering who we are meant to be.

Hasidic Women Breaking Barriers

A new documentary reveals Judge Ruchi Freier’s trailblazing work to establish the first all-women’s emergency medical response team Brooklyn.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Mr. Rogers, 50 Years Later

The unlikely media star taught the importance of civility, compassion, and the hard work of being a good human being.

Have We Gone to the Dogs?

We could learn a thing or two from our lovable companions.

These Biblical Women Are the Ultimate Mother and Daughter-in-Law

It’s not enough for Jews to consider themselves the “Chosen people;” we also need to be the choosing people.

I Feel Pretty: Can Confidence Make a Woman Beautiful?

Amy Schumer’s mediocre film raises important issues about self-esteem and beauty.

What’s Really Wrong with the Insulting “Jewish Man’s Rebellion” Essay

Don’t minimize the inherent difficulties in inter-faith marriage.

A Bag of Marbles: A New Holocaust Film Worth Seeing

The true story of French Jewish brothers fighting for survival during WWII.

Invite These Five Women to Your Seder

Women who played a pivotal role in Exodus story.

The Physician-Assisted Suicide of My Sister’s Friend

An elderly, paralyzed woman choosing death has shocked and saddened me.

Modest Fashion Is All the Rage: Can the Trend Last?

Women today are declaring their need to feel more protected and more empowered through clothing that covers more than it reveals.

Larry David’s Tasteless Holocaust Joke

When does humor cross the line from clever and incisive to inappropriate and offensive?

Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo Phenomenon

A silent epidemic is silent no more.

The Hook-Up Culture is Eroding the Value of Marriage

Non-committal physical Intimacy is making it harder for women to get married.

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